What other travelers are saying about Omizutori (Shunie)
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We visited Todaji Temple today, and it was a wonderful experience. We took a train to get here, which was very convenient. The surrounding park is huge and lively, with many school kids on day trips, creating a pleasant vibe. The temple itself is beautiful, and deer are everywhere, making the walk even more enjoyable. Don’t miss the delicious ice cream, and make sure to shop at the nearby metro station—especially the French bakery for some great food. Overall, it was a fantastic day!
Tōdai-ji Temple is home to one of Japan's most spectacular sights: the colossal Great Buddha (Daibutsu), housed inside the massive, world-renowned wooden Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden). The sheer size of this bronze statue and its architectural setting is truly awe-inspiring, embodying a profound sense of history and scale.
The massive Nandaimon Gate, guarded by fierce Nio statues, and the famous wild deer of Nara Park complete this essential Japanese cultural experience.
A Crucial Tip: To fully appreciate the majesty and serenity of this UNESCO World Heritage site, visit early in the morning on a weekday, or during the off-season (like winter). During peak tourist seasons, weekends, and midday hours, the Great Buddha Hall can become overwhelmingly crowded, diminishing the spiritual atmosphere and making it hard to take in the grandeur. Time your visit right, and Tōdai-ji will be an absolute highlight.
Visiting Tōdaiji Temple was such an amazing experience!
You can’t miss this place when you’re in Nara — it’s home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world.
Even outside the temple, the views are breathtaking and perfect for beautiful photos.
A truly peaceful and unforgettable place to visit. 🏯✨
We were an Indian family visiting Japan in hot August. What a blessed beautiful Buddha temple!
We visited Nara for just this and the deers. I loved the way the sanctity of the temple is maintained with silence & respect.
We purchased tickets at the main entrance to visit the temple. There's a hot centre pathway towards the temple. Do drink the holy water provided outside the temple, very clean & refreshing.
The massive Buddha statue will put you in awe.
Right outside the temple is a occult figure, whose part you touch & then you touch your own body, your ailments are relieved, as written.
There's lot of souvenir shopping, got few Todaiji folders & fans. Near exit had a popsicle stick & then when feeding the deers enjoyed a matcha ice cream.
Total time to visit is about an hour. We went at Noon!
Todai-ji Temple in Nara is truly a breathtaking experience and an absolute must-visit when in Japan.
Home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, the Daibutsu, this temple leaves a lasting impression from the moment you see its massive wooden gate and enter the Great Buddha Hall—the largest wooden building in the world. The scale, history, and spiritual presence of the temple are awe-inspiring. Surrounded by peaceful gardens and free-roaming deer, the whole atmosphere feels magical. Whether you're interested in Japanese culture, history, or simply want to be amazed, Todai-ji will not disappoint. It's one of those places that captures your heart and makes you appreciate the beauty and depth of Japan’s heritage. Definitely worth the trip to Nara.
Omizutori takes place every year from March 1st to March 14th, culminating in the most significant rituals in the last few days.
The primary rituals of Omizutori include the dramatic fire ceremony called Otaimatsu, where giant torches are lit and paraded along the balcony of Nigatsu-do, and the sacred water drawing (Omizutori) from the Wakasa well on the final morning, believed to purify the temple and its devotees.
Omizutori is believed to cleanse the sins of people, bring about personal renewal, and ensure a year of peace and health. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal for those who participate or observe.
Tourists are welcome to view the ceremonies and experience the event, though active participation in the rituals is generally reserved for the monks at Todaiji Temple.
